North Fuse 2012

Wave/Freeride

North is one of the appreciated brands in kiteboarding industry. Their team crafts reliable and high quality gear which shapes in a solid way the performance of all riders out there. In 2012 North is ready to revolutionize the freeride, wave and race disciplines with the new Fuse kite. The 2012 Fuse takes the performance of four line kites a step forward and offers a smooth and fun drive. The kite blends awesome power with reliable control and has a wide wind range. • Adaptive Tips • Improved Attack Bridle • Four Line Hybrid design • Direct Depower • Lazy Pump System The third generation of the Fuse kite has finally arrived. The kite is engineered using the latest technology and delivers solid performance to all wave, freeride and race enthusiasts out there. The kite blends an amazing power delivery with smooth control and has a very fluid flight. The Fuse is powered up through a fast and intuitive Lazy Pump system which gets it quickly into the air. Although the Fuse is a four line dedicated kite, it can be used with an additional fifth line if the rider desires.
Once launched, the Fuse feels very light and turns very smooth. It has unique jumping abilities and can reach impressive speeds. It also has good low end and offers massive hangtime. The kite uses the innovative Attack Control Bridle system which allows the rider to steer and maneuver the kite without any effort. This system also provides a direct steering feel and assures optimal depower. The Attack Bridle also allows the rider to depower the kite on its back a bit slower than when using a five line configuration.
The North Fuse runs very well in a wide wind range. In light winds it is easy to power up and has a constant and consistent pull and in strong winds it has a crisp bar feel and it is extremely stable. The kite uses a special sheeting force feature, developed by North to allow the rider set two bar pressure settings by tuning the pig tails. This way the rider can adjust turning speed and the direct bar feedback. Another innovative feature of the Fuse is the Adaptive Tip. This feature allows the rider set the right sheeting force and turning performance by using a back pigtail adjustment.
The North Fuse is also very easy to relaunch due to the use of the Relaunch Bungees which prevent the lines from tangling. The kite is built using Techno Force D² canopy fabrics which make it robust and very light.

- Freeride / Wave / Race
- huge windrange
- easy Lowend
- fast reaction on steering commands – even when depowered
- Sheet & Go Power
- 4 and 5 lines option
- Technoforce D2
- Sizes: 5/ 7/ 9/ 10/ 12/ 14
The overall shape helps the Fuse turn quickly and predictably while the new bridle geometry stabilizes the arc for a soft, consistent bar feel and extreme back-stall resistance.
The 4-line mode boasts an innovative new safety system and bar-feel perfect for those who prefer soft, easy handling.
In 5-line mode the 5th Element additionally stabilizes the arc, providing very direct bar-feel for new-school riding and the ultimate 5th line safety.
Auto re-launch means that you can go for it and never have to worry about re-launchng your kite. Just take your hands off the bar and let the kite do the work for you! The North Fuse 2012 is built tough to take some thrashings and the new connection between strut and leading edge easily withstands the high loads of the delta shape.
The North Fuse's precise steering response always delivers predictable and controlled jumps even if your take-off is not perfect.
With its simple bridle configuration the Fuse can be used with a four-line bar or with the North 5th Element Control Bar. In 4-Line mode the North Fuse is ideal for everyone who favours reactive handling even when depowered, while the 5th Element mode additionally stabilizes the kite for optimized performance, direct handling and the best safety.
For 2012 the Fuse features the new “Adaptive Tip”. In recent years, there has been a trend leaning towards more reactive kites with even lighter sheeting forces than in the past. Such kites are really comfortable, lively for wave riding and offer more forgiving kite loops because they pivot around the wingtip. However, comparison tests have shown that North team riders and testers actually prefer kites with a harder bar feel because they offer better feedback, precise steering and more dynamic turning, which in turn creates more power. The new “Adaptive Tip” allows users to easily change the sheeting force and turning performance through a simple back pigtail adjustment, allowing you to customize your kite to your desired style and feel:

QUAD CONTROL

The North Fuse can be ridden on 4 or 5 line control bars, uniting new-school and free-ride in one kite. The Fuses' shape offers great sheet and-go riding, excellent wind range and high de-power.
The overall shape helps the Fuse turn quickly and predictably while the new bridle geometry stabilizes the arc for a soft, consistent bar feel and extreme back-stall resistance.
The 4-line mode boasts an innovative new safety system and bar-feel perfect for those who prefer soft, easy handling. The new Quad control bar also comes equipped with the new Iron Heart IV. The front line safety system works similar to a 5th Element by allowing the kite to fall to the water and lay de-powered on it’s back in perfect re-launch position. Although reliable in most situations, it does not offer the same level of safety of the 5th Element system.

5th Element

Still one step ahead, the fifth edition of our tried and tested 5th Element Bar is possibly the most effective and trustworthy safety system on the market. 2010 nearly any Kiteboarding magazine declared it the test winner. The Iron Heart VI requires minimal release forces and is not affected by harsh sand and saltwater conditions. The double de-power line in combination with the Sliding Stopper and Stopper Ball ensures that the bar is always where you want it to be in all situations. Our small, lightweight Vario Cleat allows you to quickly and easily adjust it to your desired de-power stroke while the system automatically trims your lines to the perfect length. If the dangling trim line has ever interfered with your flow in the past, you can now forget about it focus on your riding: Simply Velcro the dangling portion to the stopper ball so it’s never in your way. The Micro Loop is no longer an integrated feature, but for those who like the comfort of riding with fixed power, the system can quickly and easily be fitted. Riders of all skill levels, from newcomers to pros, will benefit from the simplicity and functionality of the new 5th Element Bar Trust Bar and Iron Heart IV.

The North Fuse 2011 is built tough to take some thrashings and the new connection between strut and leading edge easily withstands the high loads of the delta shape.
The North Fuse's precise steering response always delivers predictable and controlled jumps even if your take-off is not perfect.
With its simple bridle configuration the Fuse can be used with a four-line bar or with the North 5th Element Control Bar.
In 4-Line mode the North Fuse is ideal for everyone who favours reactive handling even when depowered, while the 5th Element mode additionally stabilizes the kite for optimized performance, direct handling and the best safety.